IRIS USA is a globally-recognized name in injected-molded plastic products. Although the company only began operations at its 500,000 square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in the Humboldt Industrial Park last month, company President Hiroyuki (Doc) Takahashi already had high praise for Greater Hazleton’s workforce.
“We are honored to be part of the Hazleton community, and to drive new job creation in the area,” Takahashi said. “Luzerne County is home to a highly-skilled, talented and diverse workforce.”
Jennifer Coker, Vice President of Human Resources and Legal Affairs for IRIS USA, explained that the new location will be looking to hire dozens of positions within manufacturing, supply chain management, e-commerce and business support. Coker added, “We're excited to be able to offer jobs and offer sustainability and work to future IRIS employees and their families.”
When IRIS USA broke ground on the facility in 2018, Takahashi said the company chose the location in the Humboldt Industrial Park because it provided immediate access to the transportation routes the company needed to better service its e-commerce customers.
Although the company initially had a product line focused on plastic goods, it now offers a wide range of products, including appliances, vacuum cleaners, fans and even food items. As a result, the company announced that there would be dozens of jobs available to support the local economy, including manufacturing and supply chain management positions.
Takahashi stated that IRIS’ goal is to bring leading innovation to consumer products begins with their manufacturing and distribution facilities. “We’re proud of our east coast expansion, and to bring cutting-edge machinery, technology and processes to Pennsylvania through our new location.”
IRIS USA invested over $80 million into the Humboldt Industrial Park facility, its fourth U.S. production facility and first on the east coast. It began operations with 24 molding machines and expects to add an additional 16 machines in 2021 to the facility, which has the capacity for 80 machines.
IRIS USA has 28 subsidiaries, 32 factories, and more than 10,000 employees worldwide. In addition to its headquarters in Japan and operations in Japan, Europe, China, Korea and South East Asia, the company also has facilities in Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona, where its headquarters is located.
